Elaine reflects on her six years working at Emmanuel House’s charity shop
Elaine has worked every other Saturday in our on-site charity shop for the past six years (give or take the Covid years). Not only does she take sales on the shop floor, she’s a dab hand at pricing and sorting. She’s also a superb crafter and upcycles dead stock to make the most beautiful accessories that she sells in the shop and at markets to raise further funds for Emmanuel House.
What drew you to Emmanuel House?
My son experienced homelessness and often used Emmanuel House’s services, coming in for clothes and food. He really struggled with addiction and passed away eight years ago at the age of 43. After he died, my family used to donate food at Christmas and on his birthday. I was volunteering at another charity shop and when that closed down, it was a natural progression for me to work at Emmanuel House’s shop.
A lot of people ask me ‘why would you work for nothing’, but it’s not for nothing – it’s something to get up for and it enables me to help people like my son.
Some people look down their noses at people who suffer with addiction, but we mustn’t forget – they are always somebody’s child. My son was clever, funny, generous, charming and he had the voice of angel. I like being here because I know he used to come into the same building, which makes me feel closer to him.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with us?
I’ve met so many people who have become great friends. It gave me a new lease life and the shop really is my happy place. I feel happy knowing that I’m contributing to a worthwhile cause and helping to do some good in my home town.
Working in the shop is very flexible, you can find your own space and work to your strengths. Not everyone has to work on the shop floor, the people sorting upstairs are just as important. There’s no hierarchy – we all just enjoy being able to do something about homelessness in Nottingham.
If you’d like to volunteer in our charity shop, please get in touch: volunteering@emmanuelhouse.org.uk.
